Donald Judd Style Bed
2010s American Minimalist Beds and Bed Frames
Plywood
2010s American Minimalist Beds and Bed Frames
Plywood
People Also Browsed
1990s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Steel
20th Century American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze
2010s American Modern Table Lamps
Ceramic
2010s Canadian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s American Modern Music Stands
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Showa Sofa Tables
Wood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Ceramic
2010s American Other Benches
Fabric, Rope, Lambskin, Mohair, Acrylic, Lucite
21st Century and Contemporary European Books
Paper
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Books
Paper
2010s American Pillows and Throws
Cotton
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Formica, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Brutalist Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Chrome
A Close Look at Minimalist Furniture
A revival in the popularity of authentic Minimalist furniture is rooted in history while reflecting the needs and tastes of the 21st century. Designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s aphorism that “less is more” influenced the evolution of 20th-century interiors with an emphasis on function and order. This was a shift from the 19th century, with its lavish Victorian decorating, and was spread around the world through design styles including Bauhaus and brutalism.
Yet Minimalism was present in furniture design long before the clean lines of modernism, such as in the simple and elegant utility of Shaker furniture. Although the Minimalist art movement of the 1960s and ’70s had little crossover with furniture design, artist Donald Judd was inspired by the Shakers in creating his own spare daybeds and tables from sturdy wood. (Judd, whose advocacy of symmetry also informed his architectural projects, furnished his Manhattan loft with unassuming but poetic works by iconic modernist designers such as Gerrit Rietveld and Alvar Aalto.)
Understatement rather than ornamentation and open space instead of clutter are central themes for a Minimalist living room and bedroom. As opposed to Maximalism, the focus for Minimalist furniture and decor is on simplicity and considering the design and purpose of every object.
Furnishings are usually made in neutral or monochrome colors and pared down to their essentials — think nesting coffee tables, sectional sofas and accent pieces such as ottomans. And Minimalist ceramics can help achieve a decor that is both timeless and of the moment. The organic textures and personalization of handmade craftsmanship associated with these works have served as a sort of anti-Internet to screen-weary decorators. That said, while the thoughtful ergonomics of Scandinavian modern furniture, with its handcrafted teak frames, are at home in Minimalist spaces, so are the quietly striking pieces by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa that employ industrial materials like stainless steel, aluminum and plastic.
Minimalist furniture is not for making flashy statements; it boasts subdued appeal and excels at harmonizing with any room. And, as it encompasses many different movements and eras of design, it also never goes out of style, owing to its tasteful refinement.
Find a collection of Minimalist tables, seating, lighting and more furniture on 1stDibs.
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